Christmas Season · First Sunday after Christmas Day · Year B
Isaiah 61:10–62:3
The Year of the Lord’s Favor
December 27, 2026
Overview & Insights
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.” (Isaiah 61:1)
Chapters 61 and 62 recapitulate much of chapter 60, but they do so in a new framework. They offer five responses to those promises. Whereas the prophet’s word was a brisk preliminary to Yahweh’s word in 59:21–60:22, in chapters 61–62 the prophet speaks a number of times in a way that has significance in its own right but also introduces recapitulations of the promises.
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Commentary
Isaiah 61:10-62:3 Working Preacher
A commentary on the hymn of thanksgiving and the garments of salvation, and why the lectionary pairs this song with Christmas.
Isaiah 61:10-62:3 Center for Excellence in Preaching
A Reformed reading on rejoicing clothed in righteousness and God's determined vindication of Zion.
Isaiah 61 Word on Fire · Bishop Barron
A Catholic scripture resource situating the anointed-one oracle within salvation history and its fulfillment in Christ.
Isaiah 61 Enduring Word · David Guzik
An evangelical verse-by-verse treatment of the jubilee proclamation and the bridal imagery that opens the reading.
Classic commentaries on Isaiah 61 BibleHub
A classic aggregator gathering historic commentators on the garments of salvation and the robe of righteousness.
Background & Word Study
Isaiah 61 in Hebrew, with Jewish commentary Sefaria
The Hebrew text alongside classical Jewish commentators, essential for hearing this passage within its own tradition.
Isaiah and Work Theology of Work
Explores Isaiah's vision of restoration, righteousness and vocation, connecting the prophet's promises to everyday labor and justice.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
Why does Isaiah 61 belong to Advent?
It is the anointed servant's mandate, good news to the poor, liberty to captives, the year of the Lord's favor, the very words Jesus reads of himself in the synagogue at Nazareth.
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